I just want to share my experience with 2 years of roleplaying (although I did quit for quite a long while). 
I've learned many things over these past two years while I roleplayed. I really noticed that everyone just really wanted a place to fit in and make friends. And I know that there're always a lot of ooc problems that often get mixed into rp. But I really feel like because of that, I've learned so many things and I feel 10 times more greatful to have started roleplaying. I made some real good friends that I met 2 years ago from a really good rp. And my first few real friends I met from the rp? I still even talk to them today! (And I met them 2 years ago...wow. lol) Well through our real facebook accounts, but seriously. Friends don't just drift apart after all the crap they went through together do they? I don't talk to them often like I used to, but I still always have deep conversations with them and we still pick off like we've never drifted apart at all. I really do cherish and hold on to my dear friends that I make. Does it sound creepy? Loooool. Nahh I've known to be pretty crazy so I guess that's okay XDD. Seriously though, it's hard to make new friends once you start really roleplaying around and meeting new people. But it's definitely worth it, I met so many awesome people and if one day they randomly somehow show up on my wall just to pop a hello. It would bring tears to my eyes, the bond is too deep lol. But the struggle is real, not everyone will remember you or are too busy to keep in contact with you. Roleplaying can be very fun and addicting :3 Just make sure that whatever you're doing is going to be worth it.
So after some long thinking about a lot of things I've decided to come back and start roleplaying again.